Here's where I will be relaxing tonight - IF a storm doesn't roll in. Jason and I sat out the other night and I took the camera out there to try and get a picture with just the garden lights on. It might seem a little dark but if you click on the picture to enlarge you may be able to see a bit more detail.
The pictures I was originally taking were coming out almost black, until Jason came out and showed me how to use the 'night time' setting! My camera is a Fuji S5100 but I have no idea how to use it other than to point and press - might be a good idea if I read the manual! So, this is where I will be starting off my weekend ;-) It's so cosy and quiet out there, I love it. I did get a bistro set this week but the table is one of those square ones with tiles in the top, but the tiles didn't come with it?! I only learned that once we opened the box. So I have to go to Lowes tomorrow to get 4 tiles to place in the top of the table. Then I'll take pictures to share.
I was busy in the kitchen this afternoon making some Chewy Granola Bars! Actually I wasn't THAT busy - these took all of 10 minutes to mix together. It's a recipe from Allrecipes.com and is mainly just oats, flour, honey, butter and sugar mixed with chocolate chips and raisins. I've given them a try already and they do taste nice. Only problem is I made a smaller batch than called for in the recipe (you can scale down the recipe on the website) but it didn't say to change the size of the baking pan. Now that I think about it, I should have done that, because these are pretty thin and won't hold themselves together. So although they are very tasty, they are very crumbly too - and not that chewy I might add. I think I will try another recipe next time. I've seen a few that have marshmallows in them, which I think will do a better job of holding them together.
The pictures I was originally taking were coming out almost black, until Jason came out and showed me how to use the 'night time' setting! My camera is a Fuji S5100 but I have no idea how to use it other than to point and press - might be a good idea if I read the manual! So, this is where I will be starting off my weekend ;-) It's so cosy and quiet out there, I love it. I did get a bistro set this week but the table is one of those square ones with tiles in the top, but the tiles didn't come with it?! I only learned that once we opened the box. So I have to go to Lowes tomorrow to get 4 tiles to place in the top of the table. Then I'll take pictures to share.I was busy in the kitchen this afternoon making some Chewy Granola Bars! Actually I wasn't THAT busy - these took all of 10 minutes to mix together. It's a recipe from Allrecipes.com and is mainly just oats, flour, honey, butter and sugar mixed with chocolate chips and raisins. I've given them a try already and they do taste nice. Only problem is I made a smaller batch than called for in the recipe (you can scale down the recipe on the website) but it didn't say to change the size of the baking pan. Now that I think about it, I should have done that, because these are pretty thin and won't hold themselves together. So although they are very tasty, they are very crumbly too - and not that chewy I might add. I think I will try another recipe next time. I've seen a few that have marshmallows in them, which I think will do a better job of holding them together.
What I do like about these, and any others that I make at home is the fact that I know exactly what's in them, how much sugar etc and no other artificial preservatives etc. I'll let you know what Kristen thinks of them next time.
Speaking of Kiki, it's time to head off to pick her up from school - and I only just got back from picking Boo up at the groomers! It's been a run-around day today, but hopefully I'll have a quiet night. Happy Friday to you all.
12 comments:
Denise,
What a LOVELY 'retreat' you have there! Thank you so much for sharing nighttime photos of it. Wow - I think I would want to spend a lot of time out there!
On the nighttime setting for the camera - I piddled around with my camera, & learned so much about the different settings - nighttime, candlelight, ect. It is really neat once you start playing around with it. Although I did find that playing with it was simpler & easier to learn than the book made it sound.
Have a blessed weekend with your family. Enjoy your balcony! Hugs!
Those granola bars look yummy :) You really did a nice job with your cozy corner of your deck. Looks so inviting! Have a great night! I'll be at lax practice!
Hi Denise! Your balcony looks romantic. Funny about the tiles but this way you can select some that you really like which might even be better. You can lighten up photos in PSP if you have that. I can tell you how. :)
Have a great weekend! (((Hugz)))
You've given yourselves a whole outdoor room and living space... it's perfect. Love those little lights too, a very nice touch to add to the candles.
I'm like you, have a good camera but hardly use any of the settings other than point and shoot. I don't have the patience or time to sit and read the book so I fly by the seat of my pants and mostly get away with it. Darylynn is right, you can lighten in PSP although I use Photoshop.
Great idea making the bars yourself. I've heard too that the commercial varieties do contain lots of sugar, and goodness knows what else. Hope Kiki enjoys them.
Hi Denise, oh how I love your balcony, It truly must be heavenly to sit out there at any time. How neat about the granola bars. I bet Kristen will love them! A good healthy snack! Love and ~hugs~
Ooooo Denise, I love the balcony and the calming lights. I am feeling inspired. The weather isn't warm yet, but when it is... I can't wait. Have a great time. HUGS
ooh, your balcony area is so lovely and cosy. Sorry a storm rolled in and ruined your plans!
not to worry about V , it'll be out at some point I'm sure! In the meantime, I have picked up the latest SK. I've got it in an envelope and will post it on Monday morning :O)
enjoy your weekend. The granola bars look yummy. xxxx
I will have to try the granola bars - they look really good! I usually buy the Quaker 25% less sugar ones for the kids but I too like to know exactly what is in my food. I am trying to stop eat the processed stuff and just concentrate on the good natural foods.
Hi Denise!! I love the picture, it looks so relaxing there at your house. We had a busy evening.
The granola bars look great!! Those would eb a big hit here, I will have to check on a recipe for them.
Have a nice weekend. ((BIG HUGS))!!
Hi Denise! Your balcony looks so romantic and inviting! We are expecting storms here tonight and tomorrow the high is suppose to only be in the 60's. Have a wonderful weekend! ((BIG HUGS0)
Hi Denise, the balcony looks wonderful. I have 3 of Nicole C Mullen's CDs amd she sand at the ast Women of Faith Conference I went to. Mansia's cd is really great too. The oatmeal bars look so yummy! That is cool how you are cooking with Kiki.
Hi Denise. I wish I could join you on your balcony. It looks like a wonderful place to relax with a glass of wine. I hope your weather was nice enough for you to enjoy it this weekend. We are cold again, so I'll be staying indoors. Have a blessed Sunday sweetie. Big hugs!
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